Chinese cooking spice: Fennel
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Fennel is a perennial plant with distinct aromatic leaves, and flowers. It is a very popular spice in many cultures. Its seeds, leaves, and bulb are all used in cooking, although in Chinese cuisine, fennel seeds are mainly the only part that is used. Once the flowers have dried away, the cluster of seeds are then picked and left whole as oblong bright green seeds. They can also be ground into a fine tan colored powder, or extracted into a clear-colored oil often used in the manufacturing of soaps and perfumes. In Chinese medicine, fennel is believed to strengthen eyesight, relieve cough, cure stomach ailments, aid digestion, and treat poisonous animal bites. In Chinese cuisine, it can be found in stews and braised dishes.Fennel is often seen as a symbol of strength and valor, and used to be hung over the doors by Chinese to ward off evils. It is another key ingredient of 5-spice powder. It possesses a sweet, licorice-like flavor similar to star anise, but not quite as potent. |
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